Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: Causes, Symptoms, and Affordable Treatment Options

When older adults start forgetting names, walking slowly, or losing bladder control, it’s often written off as aging. But for some, it’s normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain’s ventricles without a sharp rise in pressure. Also known as NPH, it’s reversible—if caught early. Unlike Alzheimer’s, NPH doesn’t destroy brain cells. It just floods them with fluid, slowing down movement, thinking, and control. About 1 in 10 people over 60 with dementia-like symptoms actually have NPH, and most go undiagnosed.

The key players here are the cerebrospinal fluid, the clear liquid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, and the shunt system, a tiny tube surgically placed to drain excess fluid into the abdomen. Doctors test for NPH using MRI scans, spinal taps, or lumbar drains to see if removing fluid improves symptoms. If it does, a shunt might be the answer. Shunts aren’t perfect—they can clog or get infected—but they’re the most effective treatment we have. And while the surgery itself isn’t cheap, the generic medications used to manage symptoms like urinary urgency or headaches are widely available at low cost.

Many people with NPH are misdiagnosed because symptoms overlap with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or even depression. But if someone over 60 suddenly starts stumbling, forgetting appointments, or wetting themselves—and their MRI shows enlarged ventricles—NPH should be on the table. It’s not rare. It’s just overlooked. The good news? Once treated, many patients regain mobility and mental clarity within weeks. No brain surgery? No recovery. But with the right diagnosis, life can turn around.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on managing NPH-related symptoms, understanding drug interactions with shunt patients, and finding affordable medications that help with bladder control, dizziness, or headaches. These aren’t theoretical tips. They’re from people who’ve been there—patients, caregivers, and clinicians who know what works when budgets are tight and time is short.